Melanoma Rates Are Up Among Young People

Statistics show that melanoma rates are significantly higher among young adults since the 1970s. More specifically, researchers found a 250 percent increase, with young women appearing to be at highest risk for the health issue and accounting for roughly two-thirds of cases diagnosed in 2011, according to scientists at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY.

"This is a national problem that needs to be addressed, and it begins with awareness and effective prevention strategies," Khushalani said in a news release.

For the study, researchers first found that melanoma survival rates are on the rise, increasing from 80 percent in the mid-to-late 1970s to 95 percent in 2011. However, a further analyzation of over 35,000 melanoma cases revealed that between 1973 and 2011, 98 percent of the cases involved teens and young adults between 15 and 38, according to Health Day.

From this sample, roughly 57 percent of the melanomas were accounted from women, reported between 1973 and 1980 and jumping to 65 percent by 2011.

Researchers said they believe certain unsafe practices may be to blame, including wearing little sunscreen or tanning.

"Given the epidemic rise of melanoma cases diagnosed among children, adolescents and young adults, it is imperative that new research initiatives are implemented, genetic and environmental risk factors identified, and effective prevention and screening strategies employed," concluded lead study author and oncology fellow Dr. Demytra Mitsis, said in the news release.

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